Good to know: This daypack from Gregory is offered as unisex
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Full back suspension system makes it suitable for heavier loads
- Fully waterproof for all year use
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- Not the lightest daypack in our lineup
- The hip belt may not be suitable for larger waists/hips
This daypack from Gregory is up there with the best. It comes with a waterproof cover and its credentials here have awarded it the best waterproof hiking daypack. The full back suspension system, padded straps and well thought out hip belt makes it incredibly comfortable to wear for longer periods and is ideal for carrying heavier loads.
We’ve been very impressed with the Gregory Citro 24 for its well thought out design, ergonomics and durable fabric choices. All things said, this pack is a stand out and is incredibly versatile from swift hikes and more technical treks. We can say with confidence that if you buy into the Gregory Citro system, you’ll be using this pack for a long time.
Editor’s note: This article is part of our overall guide to the best daypacks, see more in this guide:
- Best Daypacks for Hiking
- How to Choose The Right Daypack For Your Hike
- How We Tested Hiking Daypacks
- Compare Hiking Daypacks
You may also be interested in: Best Waterproof Hiking Backpacks
Compare to Similar Products:
Product | Osprey Talon 22 | Deuter Speed Lite 23 | Osprey Stratos 24 | Gregory Citro 24 | Rab Tensor 20 | Osprey Daylite/Plus | Mystery Ranch Coulee 30 | Black Diamond Distance 15 | The North Face Basin 24L | Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil 20 | Cotopaxi 24L Batac Pack | Granite Gear Dagger Ultralight |
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Buying Options | ||||||||||||
Our Award | Best Overall Daypack | Best Daypacks For Women | Best Daypacks For Men | Best Waterproof Hiking Daypack | Best Daypack For Hot Weather | Best Daypack For Travel | Best Hiking Daypack With Hydration | Best Lightweight Daypack | ||||
Type and Style | Lightweight all purpose backpack for hiking, climbing and bikepacking | Hybrid trail running/hiking/climbing | Full suspension backpack | Full suspension hiking pack | Lightweight summer pack | Lightweight lifestyle travel/hiking pack | Full suspension backpack/summit pack | Hybrid trail running/hiking/climbing | Hiking and biking | Ultralight daypack | Basic hiking | All round hiking |
Material | bluesign®-approved recycled 100D x 210D wave check high-tenacity nylon with a PFC-free DWR coating. | 140D and 100D recycled polyamide | 210D recycled nylon body, 420D recycled nylon accents and bottom with a PFC/PFAS-free DWR | 210D Honeycomb Cryptorip Nylon and 420D High Density Nylon body. EVA foam straps, alloy steel frame. 135D High Density and 50% recycled polyester lining | 100% recycled 420D polyester ripstop | bluesign® approved 300D recycled polyester | 210D recycled nylon, DWR | UHMWPE ripstop body fabric and mesh | 210D recycled ripstop nylon and 600D recycled polyester also all with non PFC DWR | 15D high strength nano nylon fabric with silicon coating for water resistance | Offcut material used from other brands production runs, making a sustainable pack | Nylon (100D and 210D) |
Capacity | 22 liters | 23L | 24L | 24 liters | 20 liters | 20 liters | 30L | 15L | 24L | 20L | 24L | 22L |
Breathability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Not as good as some other models | OK | OK | Not as good as some other models | Poor | OK | Good |
Pockets | 6 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 6/7 |
Dimensions | 48 x 28 x 23 cm | 52 x 27 x 18 cm | 59 x 34 x 24cm | 52 x 28 x 20 cm | 50 x 30 x 23cm | 43 x 26 x 20 cm | 57 x 27 x 24 cm | 47 x 32 x 13 cm | 50 x 27.9 x 17 cm | 48 x 28 x 20 cm | 51 x 28 x 18 cm | 53.34 x 33.02 x 20.32 cm |
Rain Cover | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Durability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | OK | Good | Excellent |
See the Gregory Citro 24 in more detail:
Analysis and Test Results
The Gregory Citro 24 is a well featured daypack which is ready to head out with you on any trail you want it to. This pack makes use of a full suspension system suitable for heavier loads and (in some cases) quick, ultralight backpacking missions.
The full suspension system, padded straps and ventilation offered make this a comfortable backpack to carry all day. It’s a well thought out pack and makes use of a variety of different loops and attachment points for more technical gear.
Coming with a full waterproof cover, this pack is suitable for all year use, making it extremely versatile and well worth the investment. If you want a pack that will grow with you as your adventures do, then you would be well served with the Citro 24.
Performance Comparison
Type and Style
This pack is a more full on hiking daypack that is suitable for carrying heavy loads. It’s also suitable for longer or even overnight hikes. Whilst it excels in this area, it also makes a great general daypack too and is exceptionally comfortable.
It’s full back suspension system and various anchor and attachment points sit it as a more technical option. It’s also waterproof, and includes a rain cover as standard, making it suitable for all year use.
Material
This daypack makes use of various fabrics in its construction. The body is made of 210D Honeycomb Cryptorip Nylon and 420D High Density Nylon. The base also makes use of the same 420D High Density Nylon. The harness and hipbelt use EVA foam and the frame is made of alloy steel. The lining used 135D High Density and 50% recycled polyester. I’ve filled this pack to the brim, often with very chunky items that could cause abrasions and the Citro looks just as good as new with no potential fabric problems.
Breathability
The hardy suspension system holds the bag away from your back which allows more than enough airspace and helps to prevent sweating, even on hot and humid hikes. This is thanks to the VaporSpan ventilated back panel.
I’ve used this pack full to the brim on hotter trails and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how it’s performed. The system used makes a big difference to trail comfort and it’s incredibly wearable for longer periods.
Waterproofing
In reality, I’ve tested this pack in a whole variety of weather conditions, including heavy rain and I’ve been very impressed with its lack of saturation. To take things further, the pack includes a waterproof rain cover which makes this pack a robust option in any weather. For that reason, we’ve awarded this the best waterproof hiking daypack.
There is no dedicated pocket on the pack for the waterproof cover, and this is something I’d love to see improved. When you buy the Gregory Citro 24, this is just included in the top pocket. My worry is that this could easily be mistaken when packing up for a hike and could get left behind. Having it fully attached would just easily negate this issue.
Dimensions
The Gregory Citro 24 is offered in one size variant and is unisex. This sits at 52h x 28w x 20d cm. Size wise, this pack does feel big, but that is one of the reasons I actually found myself really liking it. The size and proportioning feels right for what you will carry on a mid to long hike. For me that generally means quite a lot of camera gear. I’ve even been able to carry a very large telephoto lens in the pack.
If you’re used to more lightweight streamlined packs, you may find the Gregory Citro 24 quite chunky to begin with. But after a short amount of time, I’m confident you’ll grow to love what it offers in terms of comfort and versatility.
Fit
The Citro 24 is offered in a standard, one size fit. The pack is marketed as unisex. This pack has substantially padded shoulder straps, a full hip belt and a full rigid suspension back. These are features that are often found on larger backpacking packs.
However, I really enjoy these features offered on a small to medium sized pack. If you’re planning to go that bit further, the extra comfort these offer really is worth the weight penalty and increased cost.
Storage
One thing that I often find myself enjoying on a daypack is when there is a small zip up section offered at the bottom of the pack. This one doesn’t offer that versatility and I did find myself missing that in all my tests. However, it’s a small thing and likely won’t be a make-or-break point for most hikers.
However, where I really found this pack to excel was in the loads it can carry, and I had no problem carrying lots of leavy camera gear, layers, lunch, snacks and all the other essentials I normally bring and water too in the seven pockets offered. The internal hydration reservoir sleeve is also really handy to further the amount of water you can bring. This can also be doubled as a laptop sleeve if you’re traveling with this daypack. I’ve done this numerous times and it works perfectly in that regard from flight to trail.
Comfort
I’ve worn this pack on miles of trail tests and have found it extremely comfortable. I find the wide, well-padded straps are ample for carrying heavy loads as much as they are for lighter adventures. There’s no digging in anywhere, it sits really nicely and just makes this pack a treat to carry all the time.
The full back suspension system helps here too, and this is similar to the sort of system you could expect to see on a pack more geared toward backpacking. If you travel fast and really light, I would have no problem in recommending this pack for ultralight backpacking trips (lasting around one to two nights). The VaporSpan back panel also keeps you cool and comfortable.
Features
One of the key features that makes the Citro 24 a well rounded pack is the included rain cover and the DWR coating on the main pack fabric too. This means that this daypack is good to go in any weather scenario (and I’ve tested its saturation point in plenty of heavy downpours with no let through).
I really love that this pack makes use of some of the features you’d expect to see on a more advanced backpacking pack. Some hikers love the really minimal, fast and light style packs, but others (like myself) do tend to prefer a more full on system. This is obviously a matter of preference, but if you’re like me and want a daypack that will set you on your way for carrying heavier loads and specialist gear, including alpine and other specialist gear you need to get outdoors, then the Citro 24 will likely suit you well.
The SpeedClip hydration hanger is also a useful addition. It’s compatible with Gregory’s own system (though you can fit others too, it just won’t sit quite so well). I really liked this feature which allows for your water to sit perfectly in position as you move. There’s also plenty of attachment points for other items like hiking poles and tools too.
Durability
This pack is extremely well made and is in it for the long haul. The 210D Honeycomb Cryptorip Nylon used on the body fabric and the Alloy Steel Frame helps here. I genuinely feel that this pack, if looked after, could last you a long time.
I’ve really put this pack through its paces and bumped, knocked and scratched it in a whole variety of scenarios and there is not a single nick or scratch to be seen really. I’ve also had this pack full to the brim with complex shaped items (camera gear) and there are no weak points forming in the slightest.
Sustainability
Some of the materials used on the Gregory Citro 24 are 50% recycled – such as the liner and it also makes use of bluesign approved buckles. In a world where so many daypacks make use of substantial recycled materials, it would be good to see this improved on the Citro 24.
That said, this pack is made to last, and it also works well for a variety of uses. For many hikers, this may well be the only pack you actually need, and this of course means not having to buy more which does have a significant impact on sustainability.
Whilst Gregory could make some improvements in terms of using more recycled materials in their construction, I do have to note that they are very much committed to their footprint. One area I like is that they make a big deal that their products are designed for repair, with lifetime guarantees. They also have a focus on DIY repairs and parts that can be ordered to fulfil this.
Conclusion
All in all, I’ve been extremely impressed by the Gregory Citro 24 – in fact, it has come to be one of my favorite packs on the trail in recent months and I find myself reaching for it time and time again. It just fits well, it’s comfortable and it’s a serious pack that has everything you need for the trail.
One area where I feel this pack really stands out is the use of a hardy back suspension system that uses adequate ventilation that will keep your back supported and sweat free in even the most demanding of conditions. The various attachment points also help to make this pack suitable and handy for alpine and technical hikes where you just need that bit more flexibility and support.
If you’re looking for a very fast and light pack, then this may not be the best option for you. However, if you’re looking for a strong, well built and waterproof daypack that is ready to take on whatever trail you are, then you should seriously consider buying the Gregory Citro 24.
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